Four dead, 23 critical after consuming illicit hooch

Rafik JALALDEEN

WELIWERIYA: At least four persons died and another 23 were critical after consuming poisonous moonshine on Wednesday night in Galoluwa, Weliweriya.

The kasippu brewer is also critical. Police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekera said initially, two were reported dead and four others serious after taking the moonshine.

He said the moonshine brewer was arrested and the victims are being treated at the Gamapaha hospital.

Seven were treated at the ICU and one was transferred to the Kandy hospital.

The victims are G.A. Gunasena (45), D. Ruban Silva (38), L.A.M. Jayaratna and W. Wasanthakumara.